Areas

Nearest town

Anysberg Nature Reserve

Enjoy the wide open space under a canopy of glittering stars

Anysberg Nature Reserve is located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo, between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu. The reserve, officially proclaimed in 1990, encompasses 79 629 hectares of plains and the majestic Cape Fold Mountains, with deep valleys and steep gorges. Fed by three rivers, a diversity of life is supported here amid mountain fynbos and the characteristic veld of the Klein Karoo. It is also a World Heritage Site.

Visitors will enjoy regular sightings of the Cape mountain zebra, numerous antelope species, the black-backed jackal, caracal, riverine rabbit and brown hyena. Leopards still roam the mountains, although these notoriously shy creatures are seldom seen. About 180 bird species are regularly spotted on the reserve, making it a popular choice for birders. Besides the mesmerising landscape and rich plant and animal life, the reserve is also home to San rock art, painted thousands of years ago.

There are two approaches to the reserve: from Ladismith* and the R62; and from Laingsburg and the N1. The latter is the quicker route, the former the more exciting. Once you leave the tar on the N1 or the R62, you will not see it again until your return. But the dirt roads are good, wonderful if you have a 4×4, but conquerable in a sedan. Cape Town is 350 km away – approximately a four-hour drive.

*The public is advised that the road should only be used with a 4×4 vehicle.

Accommodation

Self-catering

Please note: Tapfontein is only accessible via 4×4, bicycle or hiking. No vehicles other than a high clearance 4×4 will be allowed to access the road

Tapfontein has four Wendy houses: Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Gemini. Each sleeps two people in single beds, and has a small veranda furnished with table and chairs. Guests are welcome to swim in the reservoir. Guests need to bring bedding, toilet paper, towels, rubbish bags, wood and a torch.

Chameleon Cottage sleeps five guests in two rooms with two single beds in each and a daybed in the lounge. The comfortable cottage has a veranda furnished with a picnic table and outdoor braai and one en-suite bathroom.

Electricity: Solar and gasBathroom: Shower (solar-powered geyser). One En-suite bathroom (access to bathroom though one of the bedrooms only)Kitchen: Gas stove, solar fridgeBedding, linen and towels: Yes, for the single beds only, not for the day bed.Fireplace: Indoor Jetmaster and outdoor braai, with gridDisabled access: NoPets welcome: No

Agama is a charming cottage that sleeps four people (one bedroom with a double bed and two daybeds in the lounge). Bedding is provided for all beds. The cottage has a veranda with outdoor braai area and picnic table.

Activities

A fantastic way to explore the remoter regions of the reserve is by horse. Anysberg offers guided excursions, ranging from two hours to two days. On the two-day trail, guests will sleep over at one of the comfortable chalets on the reserve. The trail is 21km, with a five-hour ride on the first day and a four-hour ride on the second. Please book in advance for this experience. Please note there is a maximum 95kg carrying capacity per horse, which includes rider and luggage.

This is one of the best places in the country for stargazing under unpolluted night skies, far away from city lights. The reserve guides are trained in how best to use telescopes and binoculars to assist guests in getting the most out of the experience. Books and star charts are available in the reserve office for those who want to know more. Visitors can deepen their stargazing experience by signing up for Planet Trek or spending some time on the stargazing platform.

Stargazing is dependent on weather conditions and visibility of the different constellations. Therefore, this activity can only take place when booked with the reserve.

Please contact the reserve on 023 551 1922 to enquire about conditions and to make a booking for this activity.

Planet Trek

Guests can walk, cycle or ride on horses to Tapfontein, which has planet markers along the route that have been set out to proportionally reflect the distance between the planets. An outdoor dinner and overnight stay at Tapfontein completes the experience.

Stargazing platform

Located next to the office, the raised stargazing platform, complete with a telescope, is the perfect place to relax and marvel at the endless night sky.

Details to come. Please contact the reserve on +27 (0)23 551 1922 for more information.

Location

Conservation

Anysberg Nature Reserve Conservation

The majestic proteas and multitude of succulents provide a beautiful backdrop to the sounds of 180 bird species here.

Anysberg Nature Reserve was founded to conserve endemic vegetation and to gradually reintroduce the game species that traditionally inhabited the region. Vegetation comprises Cape mountain fynbos and characteristic Klein Karoo veld. The majestic proteas and multitude of succulents provide a beautiful backdrop to the sounds of the 180 bird species that are regularly spotted here. Anysberg is also home to many types of buck, and jackals and caracals. Leopards still roam the mountains, but they are rarely seen.